Speech to Congress (8 January 1861).
Context: It is said that serious apprehensions are to some extent entertained (in which I do not share) that the peace of this District may be disturbed before the 4th of March next. In any event, it will be my duty to preserve it, and this duty shall be performed.
In conclusion it may be permitted to me to remark that I have often warned my countrymen of the dangers which now surround us. This may be the last time I shall refer to the subject officially. I feel that my duty has been faithfully, though it may be imperfectly, performed, and, whatever the result may be, I shall carry to my grave the consciousness that I at least meant well for my country.
“For many years I was self-appointed inspector of snowstorms and rainstorms, and did my duty faithfully, though I never received one cent for it.”
After February 22, 1846
Journals (1838-1859)
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Henry David Thoreau 385
1817-1862 American poet, essayist, naturalist, and abolitio… 1817–1862Related quotes
2021, September 2021
T. S. Eliot in the Sunday Times, 1952; cited from David Chinitz T. S. Eliot and the Cultural Divide (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003) p. 56
Criticism
Letter from James Connolly to John Carstairs Matheson, 30 January 1908. Socialism Today - The Connolly & religion debate http://www.socialismtoday.org/103/connolly.html
“I did not spittel a drop of blood, or steal a cent in all my life.”
Letter to Mrs.Glendower Evans http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/SaccoV/van-charlestown.html (22 July 1921)
To Leon Goldensohn, May 24, 1946, from "The Nuremberg Interviews" by Leon Goldensohn, Robert Gellately - History - 2004 - Page 71
“By George!" cried the inspector. "How did you ever see that?"
Because I looked for it.”
Source: The Adventure of the Dancing Men
I've earned everything I've got.
Televised press conference with 400 Associated Press Managing Editors at Walt Disney World, Florida. (17 November 1973)
Often transcribed as "I am not a crook."
'I Am Not A Crook': How A Phrase Got A Life Of Its Own http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=245830047, on National Public Radio
1970s
“I always enjoyed the hearty society of a snowstorm.”
19(?) July 1890, page 321
John of the Mountains, 1938
2000s, 2009, Farewell speech to the nation (January 2009)